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Plan to tow oil rig to Singapore

Peter Ker

THE oil rig that exploded in West Australian waters last year will be towed to Singapore, as the government continues to delay the release of the report on the Montara oil field leak.

The West Atlas rig has stood idle off the Kimberley coast since November after a 10-week oil leak in the field ended in a massive ball of flames.

Private contractor Svitsea has sought permission from the federal government to tow the rig through Australian and Indonesian waters to Singapore to sell for scrap metal.

Towing was considered financially and environmentally preferable to leaving the rig where it is or sinking it.

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A 25-kilometre safety buffer would be arranged on the tow route, which would pass to the north of significant environmental sites such as Ashmore Reef and the Cartier Islands.

About 24 hours of continuous towing would be needed to get the rig outside Australian waters, and Svitsea says only minor disturbance of the water column is likely.

Australian Marine Conservation Society spokesman Darren Kindleysides agreed that towing the structure away was better than dumping it at sea.

The government has had the final report on the Montara leak since June, but has withheld it.

Resources Minister Martin Ferguson delayed its release for a legal review, then extended that because of the election. He said last week that a further review was required, ensuring release could be months away.